Nissan Altima 2004 Owner's Manual

FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY

The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers.

Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with confidence. It was produced using the latest techniques and strict quality control.

This manual was prepared to help you understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle sothat youmay enjoymany miles(kilometers) ofdriving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle.

A separate Warranty Information Booklet explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide” explains details about maintaining and servicing your vehicle. Additionally, a separate Customer Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how to resolve any concerns you may have with your vehicle, as well as clarify your rights under your state’s lemon law.

Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, they will be glad to assist you with the extensive resources available to them.

Before driving your vehicle please read this Owner’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity with controls and maintenance requirements, assisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.

WARNING

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!

Follow these important driving rules to help ensure a safe and complete trip for you and your passengers!

● NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

● ALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too fast for conditions.

● ALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint systems. Preteen children should be seated in the rear seat.

● ALWAYS provide information about the proper use of vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.

● ALWAYS review this owner’s manual for important safety information.

MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE This vehicle should not be modified.

Modification could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modifications may not be covered under NISSAN warranties.

WHEN READING THE MANUAL

The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers.

This manual includes information for all options available on this model. Therefore, you may find some information that does not apply to your vehicle.

All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are those in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change specifications or design without notice and without obligation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL

You will see various symbols in this manual. They are used in the following ways:

WARNING

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause death or serious personal injury. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed precisely.

CAUTION

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause minor or moderate personal injury or damage to your vehicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed carefully.

APD1005

If you see this symbol, it means “Do not do this” or “Do not let this happen.”

If you see a symbol similar to these in an illustration, it means the arrow points to the front of the vehicle.

Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these indicate movement or action.

Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these call attention to an item in the illustration.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

GARDENA, CALIFORNIA

All rights reserved. No part of this Owner’s Manual may be reproduced orstored ina retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Nissan North America, Inc., Gardena, California.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NISSAN

WFW0002

Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a successful worldwide company that manufactures cars and trucks in over 17countries and distributes them in 170 nations.

NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates worldwide, collectively growing to becomethe fifth largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other diversified products.

NISSAN has made a substantial and growing investment in North America. NISSAN’s commitment is over $6 billion dollars in capital investments in facilities across the continent. Some of the facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing facilities in Canton, Mississippi and in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle

styling design at Nissan Design America, Inc. in San Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs more than 21,000 people throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional 60,000 people work for the 1,250 NISSAN and INFINITI dealers across North America.

NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its suppliers and over 150 dealers employ approximately 4,500 people. These include company employees and thestaffs of NISSAN dealers all across Canada. In addition, many Canadians work for companies that supply NISSAN and NISSAN dealers with materials and services ranging from the operation of port facilities and transportation services, to the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories.

NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and computers in automobiles, and has led the industry in improving both performance and fuel efficiency through new engine designs and the use of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The company has also developed waysto build qualityinto its vehicles at each stage of the production process, both through extensive use of automation and — most importantly — through an awareness that

are the central element in quality control.

people

From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, dozens of checks were made toensure that only the bestjob was being done in producing and delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes greatcare toensure that when you take your NISSAN to your dealer for maintenance, the service technician will perform his work according to the quality standards that have been established by NISSAN.

Safety has also been builtinto your NISSAN. As you know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety systems that will help protect you and your passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every time you drive the vehicle.

The NISSAN story of growth and achievement reflects our major goal: to provide you, our customer, with avehicle thatis builtwith quality and craftsmanship — a product that we can be proud to build and you can be proud to own.

NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM

NISSAN CARES...

Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.

However, if there is something that your NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to provide NISSAN directly with comments or questions, please contact the NISSANConsumer Affairs Department using our toll-free number:

For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers

1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261)

For Hawaii customers

1-808-836-0888 (Oahu Number)

For Canadian customers

1-800-387-0122

We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.

The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following information:

– Your name, address, and telephone number – Vehicle identification number (attached to the

top of the instrument panel on the driver’s side)

– Date of purchase – Current odometer reading – Your NISSAN dealer’s name – Your comments or questions

You can write to NISSAN with the information at:

For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers

Nissan North America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191 Gardena, California 90248-0191

For Hawaii customers

Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii 2880 Kilihau St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96819

For Canadian customers

Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5

Table of

Illustrated table of contents

Contents

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags

Instruments and controls

Pre-driving checks and adjustments

Heater, air conditioner and audio systems

Starting and driving

In case of emergency

Appearance and care

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Technical and consumer information

Index

0 Illustrated table of contents

Airbags, seat belts and child restraints ...............0-2

Exterior front ......................................0-3

Exterior rear.......................................0-4

Passenger compartment ...........................0-5

Instrument panel...................................0-6

Engine compartment locations ......................0-8

Warning/indicator lights ...........................0-10

AIRBAGS, SEAT BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINTS

1. Supplemental front impact air bags (P. 1-8)

2. Supplemental curtain side-impact air bag (if so equipped) (P. 1-8)

3. Front head restraint (P. 1-7)

4. Rear seat belts (P. 1-22)

5. Top tether anchor point (P. 1-38)

6. Rear head restraint (P. 1-7)

7. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) (P. 1-37)

8. Supplemental side impact air bag (if so equipped) (P. 1-8)

9. Front seat belts (P. 1-22)

10. Seat belt pretensioners (P. 1-19)

11. Seats (P. 1-2)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

0-2 Illustrated table of contents

LII0025

EXTERIOR FRONT

1. Engine hood (P. 3-10)

2. Headlight and turn signal switch (P. 2-18)

3. Replacing bulbs (P. 8-30)

4. Windshield wiper and washer switch (P. 2-16)

5. Windshield (P. 8-24)

6. Power windows (P. 2-32)

7. Door locks, keyfob, keys (P. 3-3, 3-5, 3-2)

8. Mirrors (P. 3-16)

9. Tire pressure (P. 9-11)

10. Flat tire (P. 6-2)

11. Tire chains (P. 8-40)

12. Fog light switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-22)

13. Tie down/towing hooks (P. 6-11)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

LII0024

Illustrated table of contents 0-3

EXTERIOR REAR

1. Rear window defroster switch (P. 2-17)

2. Trunk lid (P. 3-11)

3. Vehicle loading (P.9-12)

4. Interior trunk lid release (P. 3-12)

5. Replacing bulbs (P. 8-30)

6. Fuel filler cap, fuel recommendation (P. 3-13, P. 9-23)

7. Fuel filler lid (P. 3-13)

8. Child safety locks (P. 3-5)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

0-4 Illustrated table of contents

LII0023

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

1. Glove box (P. 2-29)

2. Automatic anti-glare inside mirror (P. 3-16)

3. Sun visors (P. 3-15)

4. Interior lights, illuminated entry (P. 2-36)

5. Front seat (P. 1-2)

6. Sunroof (P. 2-34)

7. Interior trunk access (P. 1-6

8. Rear seat (P. 1-6)

9. Front console (P. 2-29)

10. Front cup holders (P. 2-28)

11. Park brake, parking on hills (P. 5-12, P. 5-15)

12. HomeLinkT (P. 2-38)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

LII0026

Illustrated table of contents 0-5

INSTRUMENT PANEL

WIC0605

1. Headlight and turn signal switch

(P. 2-18)

2. Meters and gauges (P. 2-3)

3. Windshield wiper/washer switch

(P. 2-16)

4. Center ventilators (P. 4-2)

5. Audio system controls (P. 4-14)

6. Front passenger supplemental air bag

(P. 1-8)

7. Glove box (P. 2-29)

8. Heater and air conditioner (manual)

(P. 4-10)

9. Hazard warning flasher switch

(P. 2-23)

10. Power outlet (P. 2-26)

11. Rear window defroster switch (manual)

(P. 2-17)

12. Cruise control main/set switch (if so

equipped) (P. 5-12)

13. Driver supplemental air bag (P. 1-8)

14. Steering wheel switch for audio control

(if so equipped) (P. 4-29)

15. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls

(P. 3-14)

16. Traction control system (TCS) off

switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-25)

17. Instrument brightness control (P. 2-21)

0-6 Illustrated table of contents

18. Outside mirror remote control (P. 3-17)

19. Front defroster switch (automatic) (P. 4-10)

20. Heater and air conditioner (automatic) (P. 4-10)

21. Rear window defroster switch (automatic) (P. 2-17)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

Illustrated table of contents 0-7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT LOCATIONS

QR25DE engine

1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)

2. Spark plug caps (P. 8-19)

3. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-15)

4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model) (P. 8-15)

5. Air cleaner (P. 8-20)

6. Battery (P. 8-17)

7. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-26)

8. Transmission dipstick (A/T models) (P. 8-13)

9. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)

10. Radiator cap (P. 8-8)

11. Fuse block (P. 8-26)

12. Windshield washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-16)

13. Coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)

14. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)

NOTE: Engine cover removed for clarity. See the page number indicated in paren-

theses for operating details.

0-8 Illustrated table of contents

LDI0073

WDI0400

VQ35DE engine

1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)

2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)

3. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-15)

4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model) (P. 8-15)

5. Air cleaner (P. 8-20)

6. Battery (P. 8-17)

7. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-26)

8. Transmission dipstick (A/T models) (P. 8-13)

9. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)

10. Radiator cap (P. 8-8)

11. Fuse block (P. 8-26)

12. Windshield washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-16)

13. Coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)

NOTE: Engine cover removed for clarity. See the page number indicated in paren-

theses for operating details.

Illustrated table of contents 0-9

WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS

Warning

light

Name Page

Anti-lock brake warning light (if so equipped)

Brake warning light

Charge warning light

Door open warning light

Engine oil pressure warning light

Low fuel warning light

2-9

2-10

Warning

light

Name Page

Low windshield washer fluid warning light

Seat belt warning light and chime

Supplemental air bag warning light

Trunk lid open warning light

2-11

1-20

2-11

Indicator

light

Name Page

Automatic transmission position indicator light (A/T models)

CRUISE main switch indicator light (if so equipped)

Cruise SET switch indicator light (if so equipped)

High beam indicator light (blue)

5-4

5-12

2-12

0-10 Illustrated table of contents

Indicator

light

Name Page

Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)

Slip indicator light (if so equipped)

Traction control system off indicator light (if so equipped)

Turn signal/hazard indicator lights

2-12

2-13

Illustrated table of contents 0-11

MEMO

0-12 Illustrated table of contents

1 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags

Seats ............................................1-2

Front manual seat adjustment ....................1-2

Front power seat adjustment (if so equipped

for driver’s seat) ................................1-4

Folding rear seat ...............................1-6

Head restraint adjustment .......................1-7

Supplemental restraint system ......................1-8

Precautions on supplemental restraint

system ........................................1-8

Supplemental air bag warning labels.............1-20

Supplemental air bag warning light ..............1-20

Seat belts .......................................1-22

Precautions on seat belt usage..................1-22

Child safety...................................1-24

Pregnant women ..............................1-25

Injured persons................................1-25

Three-point type seat belt with retractor..........1-26

Seat belt extenders ............................1-29

Seat belt maintenance .........................1-29

Child restraints...................................1-30

Precautions on child restraints ..................1-30

Installation on rear seat center or outboard

positions .....................................1-32

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for

CHildren) system..............................1-37

Top tether strap child restraint ..................1-38

Installation on front passenger seat ..............1-39

SEATS

WARNING

● Do not ride in a moving vehicle when the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident, you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries.

FRONT MANUAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT

WARNING

● Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of control of the vehicle.

● After adjustment,gently rockin theseat to make sure it is securely locked.

ARS1152

● For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat and adjust the seat properly. See “Precautions on Seat Belt Usage” later in this section.

1-2 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags

WRS0175 WRS0176

Forward and backward

Pull the lever up and hold it while you slide the seat forwardor backward to the desiredposition. Release the lever to lock the seat in position.

WARNING

After adjustment, gently rock in the seatto make sure it is securely locked.

Reclining

Torecline the seatback, pull the lever up andlean back. To bring the seatback forward, pull thelever up and lean your body forward. Release the lever to lock the seatback in position.

The reclining feature allows adjustment of the seatback for occupants of different sizes to help obtain proper seat belt fit (see “Precautions on seat belt usage” later in this section). Also, the seatback can be reclined to allow occupants to rest when the vehicle is stopped.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags 1-3

WRS0131 WRS0163

Seat lifter (if so equipped for driver’s seat)

Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion to the desired position.

FRONT POWER SEAT ADJUSTMENT (if so equipped for driver’s seat)

● Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of control of the vehicle.

1-4 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags

WARNING

● Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle.They could unknowingly activate switches or controls and become trapped in a window. Unattended children could become involved in serious accidents.

Operating tips

● The power seat motor has an auto-reset overload protection circuit. If the motor stops during operation, wait 30 seconds, then reactivate the switch.

● Do not operate the power seat switch for a long period of time when the engine is off. This will discharge the battery.

Forward and backward

Moving the switch forward or backward will slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position.

Reclining

Move the recline switch backward until the desired angle is obtained. To bring the seatback forward again, move the switch forward and move your body forward. The seatback will move forward.

WRS0164 WRS0389

Seat lifter (if so equipped for driver’s seat)

Push the front or rear end of the switch up or down to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion.

Lumbar support (if so equipped for driver’s seat)

The lumbar support feature provides lower back support to the driver. Move the lever forward or backward to adjust the seat lumbar area.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags 1-5

Push down on the button on the rear parcel

shelf.

Fold down the passenger side seatback.

● Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo area or on the rear seat when it is in the fold-down position. Use of these areas by passengers without proper restraints could result in serious injury in an accident or sudden stop.

● Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury.

● When returning the seatbacks to the upright position, be certain they are completely secured in the latched position. If they are not completely secured,

WRS0166

FOLDING REAR SEAT

passengers may be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

Interior trunk access

The trunk can be accessed from the passenger side ofthe rear seat for loadingand unloading, as shown.

1-6 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags

WARNING

● Closely supervise children when they are around cars to prevent them from playing and becoming locked in the trunk where they could be seriously injured. Keep the car locked, with the rear seatback and trunk lid securely latched when not in use, and prevent children’s access to car keys.

LRS0225 WRS0167 WRS0133

Tofold down thedriver sideof the rearseat, reach through the opening and pull on the strap located behind the seat.

The rear seats can be locked using the master key to prevent unauthorized access. The valet key cannot be used to lock or unlock the release button. For more information on keys, refer to “Keys” in the “Pre-driving checks and adjustments” section of this manual.

Center armrest

Pull the armrest forward until it is horizontal.

HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENT

To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower, push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.

WARNING

Head restraints should be adjusted properly as they may provide significant protection against injury in an accident. Do not remove them. Check the adjustment after someone else uses the seat.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags 1-7

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

WRS0134

Adjust the head restraint so the center is level with the center of your ears.

PRECAUTIONS ON SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) section contains important information concerning the driver and passenger supplemental front air bags, supplemental side air bags, curtain sideimpact air bags and pre-tensioner seat belts.

Supplemental front impact air bag system:

This system can help cushion the impact force to the head and chest of the driver and front passenger in certain frontal collisions.

Supplemental side-impact air bag system (if so equipped): This system can help cushion

the impact force to the head andthe chestarea of the driver and front passenger in certain side impact collisions. The supplemental side air bag is designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted.

Supplemental curtain side-impact air bag system (if so equipped): This system can help

cushion the impact force to the head of occupants infront andrear outboard seating positions in certainside impact collisions. The curtain sideimpact air bags are designedto inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted.

These supplemental restraint systems are designed to supplement the crash protection provided bythe driverand frontpassenger seat belts and are not a substitute for them. Seat belts should always be correctly worn and the occupant seated a suitable distance away from the steering wheel, instrument panel and door finishers. (See “Seat belts” later in this section for instructions and precautions on seat belt usage.)

The supplemental air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position.

After turning the ignition key to the ON position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates. The supplemental air bag warning light will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is operational.

1-8 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags

WARNING

● The supplemental front air bags ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a side impact, rear impact, rollover, or lower severity frontal collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents.

● The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles are equipped with sensors that detect if the seat beltsare fastened. The air bag system monitors the severity of a collision andthen inflates the air bags based on belt usage. Failure to properly wear seat belts can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident.

● Keep hands on the outside of the steering wheel. Placing them inside the steering wheel rim could increase the risk that they are injured when the supplemental front air bag inflates.

WRS0031

● The seat belts and the supplemental front air bags are most effective when you are sitting well back and upright in the seat. The front air bags inflate with great force. If you are unrestrained, leaning forward, sitting sideways or out of position in any way, you are at greater risk of injury or death in a crash. You may also receive serious or fatal injuries from the supplemental front air bag if you are up against it when it inflates. Always sit back against the seatback and as far away as practical from the steering wheel or instrument panel. Always use the seat belts.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags 1-9

1-10 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags

ARS1133 ARS1041

WARNING

● Never let children ride unrestrained or extend their hands or face out of the window. Do not attempt to hold them in your lap or arms. Some examples of dangerous riding positions are shown in the illustrations.

ARS1042 ARS1043 ARS1044

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags 1-11

ARS1045 ARS1046 SSS0101

● Children may be severely injured or killed when the supplemental front air bags, side air bags or curtain sideimpact air bags inflate if they are not properly restrained. Pre-teens and children should be properly restrained in the rear seat, if possible.

● Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. An inflating supplemental front air bag could seriously injureor kill your child. See “Child restraints” later in this section for details.

1-12 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags

WARNING

Supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact air bag (if so equipped):

● The supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact air bag ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a frontal impact, rear impact, rollover or lower severity side collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents.

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